Peechi custodial torture: Kadavanthra SHO P.M. Ratheesh suspended

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: SI P.M. Ratheesh has been suspended from service over the incident in which a hotel owner and his staff were assaulted at the Peechi police station. The action was taken by the South Zone IG. Ratheesh, who is currently serving as Kadavanthra SHO, had even received a promotion while under investigation for allegedly beating the hotel owner. The Thrissur Additional SP's report, which found Ratheesh guilty, had been hoarded for a year and a half.

The incident related to the case took place on May 24, 2023. K.P. Ouseph, the owner of Lalys Hotel in Pattikkad, his son and a hotel employee were beaten by the SI following a complaint lodged by Palakkad Vandazhi native Dinesh and his relative. The complaint was lodged over a dispute regarding the quality of biryani served at the hotel.

However, in the meantime, a video surfaced showing hotel employees manhandling the complainants. Ouseph and his driver had arrived at the police station to file a complaint regarding the incident. Ouseph had also alleged that Rs 5 lakh was demanded in an attempt to settle the case. Ouseph obtained the video footage of the custodial torture after a legal battle that lasted for several months.

Meanwhile, it was alleged that the police were not taking action against Ratheesh despite finding him guilty. Former Thrissur Additional SP Sasidharan had submitted a report to North Zone IG K Sethuraman last year recommending strict action against Ratheesh. However, no action was taken against the SI, citing technical reasons.